Monthly Archives: June 2013

The sun's out, the grill is warmed up; the sweet aroma of barbecue is in the air. Sounds like a perfect summer picnic doesn't it? Picnics are great opportunities to get out and enjoy the weather and spend some time with family, friends, and Fido. But before you go out there and fire up the grill there are some things you should remember to keep out of Fido’s mouth.

Grapes, Raisins or Currants

Grapes and raisins can often be a nice side to go along with the burgers and brats. They are also found in breads and cookies for desert.

According to Pet Poisons Helpline if a dog ingests these fruits it could lead to sudden kidney failure.

Kidney failure wouldn’t happen in all pets but it is impossible to tell which ones are sensitive to this fruit, so why risk it?

Caffeine

Soda can often be found at a picnic or barbeque. It serves as a pick-me-up and it quenches thirst. Caffeine can also be found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and diet pills.

Pets are much more sensitive to caffeine than people are. Too much caffeine for people can cause jitteriness, for dogs it could cause death.

According to Pet Poisons Hotline, one to two laps of some coffee, tea or soda will not contain enough caffeine to cause poisoning in most pets, but the consumption of moderate amounts of coffee grounds, tea bags or one to two diet pills could cause death in small dogs or cats.

Chocolate and Cocoa

Chocolate is a favorite by kids and adults alike and is often found around the picnic table. Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate and is a cousin chemical to caffeine and is just as dangerous for your furry friend.

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous because it contains a significant amount of theobromine. Same goes for baker’s chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, cocoa powder and gourmet dark chocolates; they are much more dangerous than milk chocolate.

White chocolate contains a very little amount of theobromine and will not cause chocolate poisoning in pets.

The amount of chocolate is what makes it poisonous, according to Pet Poison Hotline. A few chocolate chips or one to two bites of a chocolate chip cookie is unlikely to cause poisoning.

Chocolate contains a large amount of fat and some pets could develop pancreatitis after eating chocolate or baked goods containing chocolate.

Alcohol

There is often beer and spirits passed around as people enjoy their time out in the sun. A lot of dogs may find they enjoy the taste of beer, but remember having a booze hound could result in some very serious problems.

Dogs get drunk just like people do.

It is also easier for them to get tipsy, fall into a coma and even die.

Hotdogs and Hamburgers

Hotdogs and hamburgers are most often the first thing thrown on the grill. It’s probably hard to look down at those puppy dog eyes, begging for a nibble of these picnic essentials.

One hotdog or hamburger won’t hurt a dog, but if everyone around the picnic area is feeding into those big, needy eyes it could cause for some stomach issues.

Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director of ASPCA Animal Posion Control Center says too many hotdogs and hamburgers could lead to some vomiting and diarrhea.

A good idea would be to pack some BOGO Bowl kibble with you so Fido can have something nutritious to snack on while everyone enjoys their picnic.

Bones

Every dog likes to chew on bones and bones can usually be found at the end of a picnic. It may be really tempting to throw the dog a bone, but Dr. Wismer says it’s never a good idea. Feeding dogs any type of bones from people’s food causes serious problems.

You could freeze chicken or beef broth in ice cube trays for safer treats.

Grease

A lot of people find places to dump their grease after a barbeque. This could be driveways, yards or buckets to take out later. A dog will readily scarf down any grease he can find.

If a dog eats barbeque grease he will be ingesting dangerous amounts of fat.

If the grease is hot it could cause oral burns.

Chemical grill cleaners are also a threat to dogs, so keep those up high and out of reach.

Mayo-based Salads

During a picnic food can often get left out in the summer heat while people throw a ball around or socialize. Mayo-based salads that get left out in the sun run a serious risk for people and dogs.

Dogs get food-poisoning just like people do from mayo-based salads left out in the sun.

This can cause Salmonella or E. Coli.

Dogs will experience diarrhea or vomiting with blood if contaminated food is consumed.

So this summer when you’re packing up the picnic stuff and firing up the grill, remember to keep your pooch safe and free of harmful picnic poisonous. Keep in mind this barbeque breakdown, so you can enjoy endless summer activities with your best friend.

Food and water are two of the most essential things your pup needs to survive. Making sure a dog has the right amount and good quality of each is essential to ensure you and your dog can live a happy and full life together. Feeding your dog better quality dog food can add three to five years on to his life. Isn’t a few extra dollars’ worth a few extra years?

Labels

Gourmet, super-premium and natural, these words may jump out at you when browsing through the pet food isle. They sound appealing, but in actuality mean absolutely nothing. If you want quality dog food for your pet you’re going to have to read the label.

Protein and carbohydrates are very important for a dog’s healthy lifestyle, so make sure you can find a food that’s jammed pack with them. Remember, if you read a label and the first ingredient is a type of meat that doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s a lot of protein. According to the FDA meat is made up of 75 percent water, without that water weight meat would probably be lower on the list of ingredients.

Meat meals are different, this means most of the water weight has been removed from the meat packing it more full of the actual protein the dog needs. BOGO Bowl’s first ingredient is always a type of meat meal to give your dog enough protein to live a happy and full life. BOGO Bowl also makes sure to put in plenty of carbohydrates to keep your dog’s energy and body working just the way it should.

Also, be aware of artificial colors and byproducts. They are completely unnecessary in your pooch’s food. Byproducts are just there for filler and have no nutritional value for Fido. Artificial colors are just added to be appealing to the eye. BOGO Bowl contains no byproducts or artificial colors; because really your dog probably dosen't minds what color his food is, as long as it’s delicious!

Quanity

In a dog’s perfect world food would be available to them at all times and they could eat to their hearts continent. As appealing as that might sound to your pooch, in order for them to stay healthy this fantasy can’t happen. Never over feed your dog, no matter how much you want to make them happy. In the long run an overweight dog is an unhappy dog.

Feedings vary with your dog’s size, age and activity level. If you are unsure on how much you should be feeding your dog consult your vet. It is also recommended that you use measuring cups instead of eyeballing it. The truth is, your eyes might be bigger than your dog’s stomach!

Water

Courtesy of Themetapicture.com

Water makes up 60-70 percent of an adult dog’s body, if that is not maintained it could result in the death. To avoid that, make sure your dog gets plenty of water. People and dogs alike need water to cool off, rehydrate and live a healthy life. A dog needs an ounce of water for every pound of body weight he has daily. Also, always make sure your dog has fresh and clean water available.

It’s not hard to keep your dog happy and healthy; it just takes a little knowledge. You may think that those dog foods with the happy dog running on the bag looks good for your dog, but looks can be deceiving. Always make sure you read the labels and know what you’re filling your pooch’s stomach with. BOGO Bowl is proud to make a brand of dog food available that is healthy and will add some extra years of love and companionship to your dog’s life.

Your dog hates it, you hate it, that time of the morning when you have to leave those little puppy dog eyes and head to work. Tomorrow you don't have to worry about leaving your pup on the couch. Friday is National Take Your Dog to Work Day, if you're luck enough!

Take Your Dog to Work Day is a day to celebrate your great companion and to encourage adoptions from humane societies, animal shelters, and breed rescue clubs. This year marks the fifteenth annual celebration since its start in 1999 by Pet Sitters International.

If your job hasn’t celebrated this national holiday before, maybe you should suggest it! It’s meant for every business big and small. Participation from companies will show that their business is a true friend of the canine community in a positive and proactive way. Plus, why not bring your dog to work? Where do you think the saying “working like a dog” came from?

Dogs can type up your reports for you.

Courtesy of blog.mysanantonio.com

They make for a nice decoration on your desk.

Courtesy of Healthypawspetinsurance.com

They can make a great paper weight.

Courtesy of Thepetproductguru.com

They will edit and look over your work.

Courtesy of Blog.dogvacay.com

They will take your calls.

Courtesy of Orionelectrotechblog.com

They will get the mail.

Courtesy of Elizabethayerlee.com

They will take over when you need a bathroom break.

Courtesy of Facebook- Animal Welfare League of QLD

They will even keep your pencils nice and sharpened!

Courtesy of Youtube.com

Don’t forget to keep in mind that some dogs aren’t suited for the business life and may be more comfortable at home waiting for you to get off. If your dog isn’t good around other people and dogs you might want to leave Fido at home to warm up the couch for you.

So, before you grab your thermos of coffee and start to head off to work don’t forget a leash and Fido on Friday. Also, expect some extra fur with that coffee and some extra tail wagging around the office!